Passing certificates

Lieutenants´ Passing Certificates

Examinations for men wanting promotion to lieutenant were introduced in 1677.  The earliest surviving returns date from 1691 and the main collection of passing certificates have been indexed in Royal Navy Lieutenants´ Passing Certificates 1691-1902 (List and Index Society vols 289-290). The certificates are in various series, ADM 1, 6, 13 and 107.

Other Passing Certificates

From the mid-17th century onwards examinations were introduced for other junior officers and warrant officer ranks. There are such records for masters and other navigating officers, boatswains, gunners, pursers, paymasters, carpenters, engineers, engine room artificers, clerks and assistant clerks. Their certificates are in ADM 6, 11 and 13. Surgeons´ certificates are in ADM 106 and a card index to them is available in the Open Reading Room.